Long-duration equities are those where the vast majority of earnings and cash flows are many years out, and current-year earnings and cash flows are non-existent or negative. (Think of a technology company that reinvests all its cash back into its business to fund its rapid growth—where the anticipated payoff could be significant but many years out.) The stocks hit hardest in yesterday’s sell-off were those where substantially all the intrinsic value is in the future "terminal" value (i.e., value based on cash flows that are 10, 15, or 20 years out). The prospect of higher interest rates cuts down the terminal values that drive growth stock valuations in the internet, cloud, and biotech sectors. These sectors were among the hardest hit yesterday and again today.

I believe that as Fed governors speak out over the next few days and try to throw cold water on the market's foregone conclusion that short rates will start rising as early as the spring of 2015—as implied by Yellen’s comments—the shift out of long-duration equities should reverse. We are likely to see a return of "bad news is good news"—that is, weak economic data reduces the odds of tightened monetary policy—which would cause long-duration equities to get bid up again.

Our research shows that over the past 35 years, the combination of negative real but low absolute interest rates at the short end of the yield curve and rising but moderate rates at the long end of the curve indicates an expanding economy without inflation. In such an environment, the technology, consumer discretionary, financials, and industrials sectors have tended to do best. We remain committed to the secular growth names our analysts have identified and believe they can benefit from secular tailwinds such as mobility, 24/7 access to information and entertainment, the emerging middle class, a global marketplace, aging demographics, productivity enhancements, and global infrastructure. At the same time, we remain disciplined about what we pay for companies that can benefit from these secular tailwinds, while being cognizant of the impact of rising rates on these longer-duration equities.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.

Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. We believe the information provided here is reliable. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations.

Price to earnings ratio (P/E) is a valuation ratio of a company's current share price compared to its per-share earnings.

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